Principles For Trusted Elections is a nonpartisan framework supported by Team Democracy and The Carter Center that defines shared commitments for secure, fair, and transparent democractic elections - without endorsing political parties, candidates, or outcomes.
Deepening polarization has shown us that universal, cross-partisan support for the most essential cornerstones of our constitutional democracy – safe and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power – can no longer be taken for granted.
The erosion of confidence in our lawful electoral processes poses an urgent threat to our democratic republic and to our national security. Pledging ourselves to the protection of these democratic processes is critically important.
The Principles For Trusted Elections provide a shared, nonpartisan foundation for restoring confidence in these democratic processes
The Principles for Trusted Elections provide a framework for citizens, candidates, officeholders and organizations to affirm our shared identity and our common commitment to the essential underpinnings of our democratic republic. These Principles represent a nonpartisan, common ground space from which we can begin to rebuild confidence in our country, our political system, and the people elected to represent us.
These principles focus on democratic processes and norms, not poltiical ideaology, policy positions, or electoral outcomes.
We urge everyone from all sides of the political spectrum to commit themselves to these core principles of our constitutional democracy. People who endorse the Principles for Trusted Elections uphold five core norms of democratic elections: integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power.
Voters and organizations should add their names to these principles as well, and then urge their candidates to lead by example in helping to restore trust in safe, fair, reliable elections.
Endorsement of these principles is voluntary and reflects a commitment to democratic norms, not alignment with any political platform.
I respect the checks and balances defined in the United States Constitution, and I support the electoral processes that protect the freedoms, liberties, and opportunities assured by our democratic institutions and norms. Elections must be conducted according to the rule of law - in a transparent, unbiased, and secure process.
I am guided by the following principles:
What it is: A commitment to follow established election laws, rules, and procedures transparently and consistently.
Why it matters: Clear, lawful processes strengthen public confidence in democratic elections.
What it is not: It is not a claim about electoral outcomes or support for any candidate or party.
Cooperate with election officials, adhere to rules and regulations, and refrain from knowingly propagating falsehoods about the electoral process.
What it is: A shared commitment to peaceful participation before, during, and after elections.
Why it matters: Nonviolence protects voters, election workers, and democratic institutions.
What it is not: It is not a restriction on lawful speech or political expression.
Encourage a peaceful election atmosphere during the pre-election, polling, counting, and post-election periods. Denounce any attempt to intimidate, harass, threaten or incite violence against opponents, their supporters, and election workers. Respect voters' freedom to exercise their lawful rights to register and vote, free from interference, obstruction, or intimidation.
What it is: A principle supporting election systems that are secure, auditable, and administered according to law.
Why it matters: Secure voting processes help ensure elections are conducted fairly and reliably.
What it is not: It is not a claim that specific elections were compromised or illegitimate.
Publicly affirm the security and integrity of elections across the U.S. and avoid actively fueling doubt about elections in other jurisdictions. Support transparency and public outreach to reassure voters of election integrity.
What it is: A commitment to lawful oversight, transparency, and accountability within election administration.
Why it matters: Responsible oversight helps maintain trust in democratic institutions.
What it is not: It is not partisan investigation or selective scrutiny based on political outcomes.
Encourage political parties and others to train poll-watchers on the election process and appropriate roles and behaviors, responsibilities, and obligations.
What it is: A principle recognizing election results determined through lawful, transparent processes.
Why it matters: Acceptance of verified outcomes supports peaceful transitions of power.
What it is not: It is not a prohibition on lawful challenges or recounts conducted through established legal channels.
Make claims of election irregularities in accordance with the law and acknowledge the legitimacy of the outcomes after the results have been certified and all contestations decided.